Is Your House and Vehicle Prepared for the Extreme Cold?

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Warning for southeast Washington and northeast Oregon from 7 p.m. tonight until 10 a.m. Sunday.  Expect cloudy skies and gusty winds late this afternoon and overnight. The low will be around 5 degrees with wind chill factor of -12 to -25 degrees. This is a short list of ideas to keep you warm in your house and your vehicles running safely.

Preparing the house:

• Have your furnace inspected before the cold arrives.
• Keep drapes and blinds closed, except when windows are in direct sunlight.
• Put up storm windows
• Cover or remove window air conditioning units
• Check and replace weather stripping and thresholds around doors and windows.
• Put draft snakes on window sills and against doors.
• Buy a carbon monoxide detector. 

Preparing your vehicles:

• Antifreeze levels – ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
• Inspect and clean batter terminals.
• Check brake fluid levels
• Heater and defroster should be working properly
• Check your oil
• Windshield wiper blades should be replaced and ready
• Check tires for tread and inflated properly. Replace with snow tires and studs.

Emergency items to keep in your vehicles:

• a small shovel
• windshield scraper and small broom
• flashlight
• battery powered radio
• extra batteries
• water
• snack food
• matches
• extra hats, socks and mittens
• first aid kit with pocket knife
• necessary medications
• blanket(s)
• booster cables
• emergency flares